The Boss (Managing the Bosses 1)

“Your fault or hers?”

“Neither. Both, I guess. The guest list isn’t finalized and the stationary envelopes hadn’t arrived with the invitations. We’re still—”

“How did you find my secretary’s hospitality?” He nodded, leaving her completely baffled as to why he had even asked her the question.

“She was very courteous and professional,” Jamie replied without missing a beat.

“What was that about the stationary envelopes?”

“They haven’t arrived.”

“There’s an important file that is too big to be attached in an email, but I need it in an hour. How are you going to get it to me?”

“Bike messenger.”

“You’re going to bike?” He blinked as if surprised at his own comment. “Why not fax?”

“Because you don’t have a fax machine.” There! Take that! Kapow!

Jamie caught a trace of a smile on his face and returned with a small one of her own.

“You do know how to switch focus easily.” Alex leaned back against his chair. “At least in conversation. Your former bosses have done nothing but sing praises of your work ethic. Why did you leave your last job?”

Jamie pressed her lips together. She had left because Stephen was her former boss’s son. Except that would mean Alex Reid would have to know that Stephen was her ex, and dating the boss’s son was definitely a professional no-no, not to mention it would make her look that much more pathetic. “There was a personal conflict between me and another employee. It’s been resolved, and I don’t intend to repeat it.”

Alex rested his arms on his chair, the trace of the smile gone. “Let me make myself clear, Ms. Connors. I value complete honesty from my employees more than anything else and if you think vague half-truths will make yourself look flawless, and will get you the job, then think again. I won’t ask you why again.”

Jamie took a deep breath. “Fine. I left because I had gotten into a relationship with my boss’s son. It didn’t feel right working at that company after that happened.”

Alex nodded. “How do I know that something like that would not happen again?”

“It didn’t end well. I’ll never make that mistake again.”

“What happened?”

“He got engaged to my sister.”

Alex’s eyes widened slightly and Jamie waited for the look of pity. She expected him to hurry her out of his office so he would never have to see or speak to her again. Instead his usual cool and enigmatic expression slid into place. He smiled and stood up. “I believe I have all the information I need,” he said.

Jamie stood as well and shook his hand.

“Thank you, Ms. Connors. Have a nice day.”

“Have a nice day, sir,” she said, her heart sinking.

He walked her to the door of his office and opened it for her. Jamie was halfway to the elevator when he called out, “Ms. Connors?”

She turned. “Yes, Mr. Reid?”

“Be here tomorrow at six o’clock sharp. You don’t want to be late for your first day of work.” He shut the door, leaving Jamie in the lobby, her mouth hanging open in a very unprofessional manner.

Chapter 4

“Are you sure you want to do this, Jamie?” her mother said. “Your sister’s wedding is only a few months away and she really needs you right now. Besides, I don’t think days of sitting down will do anything for your diet.”

She wanted to throw a pillow at her mom. Really? Not one ounce of encouragement or congratulations? Jamie gritted her teeth. “Just think of it this way; now that I’m making money, I can get them a better wedding present.”

Her mother still looked skeptical. “You had better get them a very nice present,” she said. “Stephen had to go through a lot of trouble to get you this job.”